The ship itself was built at the Deptford yard of the then Sunderland shipbuilders and floated down under the Wearmouth bridge to have the two accomodation blocks that were built on the quayside lifted on as well asthe jib of the crane.This was the last ship I worked on before the North Sands yard closed and everyone moved to the Pallion yard.The two remaining yards on the wear Pallion and Austin and Pickersgills merged to create North East Shipbuilders.

I can confirm original name, I was section leader in the planning office at North Sands Shipyard where this ship was built. From memory.... 4000 tonne dead lift and 2500t on the jib. 46metre beam at the deck. Launched bow first. Accom block for 400(?) used prefabricated Wartsilla cabins and lifted in two complete blocks onto vessel at outfitting quay by two Smit floating cranes. Captain crashed lifeboat into quay during outfit and "testing" phase.....brings back memories